Luther Russell has a rich history in music. For a decade, he has been one half of the endearing folk-pop duo Those Pretty Wrongs, serving alongside Big Star's Jody Stephens. Luther is also the grandson of Bob Russell and the grandnephew of Bud Green, whose songs are part of the great American songbook. He has become an accomplished producer and Grammy-nominated songwriter, and after six solo albums and a few brushes with mainstream rock and roll glory, he has returned with Happiness for Beginners. This time, the writing is more literate, darker, and romantically inclined. Armed with his 12-string electric Rickenbacker and flanked by his exceptional musician friends, Luther has crafted a stunning slice of rock that shimmers as it reflects an era that sidled alongside what became punk, the melodic charisma of Ork Records, and the proto power pop of Bomp! & Stiff Records, into the prime of post-punk-from the jangly college rock landscape of America to the U.K. raincoat guitar group vanguard of the '80s. All on display on Happiness For Beginners, out January 17th, 2025. (Photos by Jim Newberry)